Name: Trent Gillis

Nickname: TG

Year: Class of 2029 (sophomore)

Position: Striker (outside linebacker)

Height: 6'2

Weight: 200

Hometown: Glen Burnie, Md.

High School: Archbishop Spalding

Major: Foreign Area Studies - Asia

What other schools offered you and what was it about Navy that made you come here?: I had offers from Maryland, Pitt, Syracuse, Memphis, Marshall, Temple, Army, UMass, Akron, Toledo, UNC Charlotte and some more. What made me come to Navy is the fact that I will be able to benefit from a true team culture that is devoid from NIL and the transfer portal. I am playing with guys that I truly believe are my brothers and I play even harder because I'm playing with them, which is something that I felt that other programs that were recruiting me were missing. Also, the opportunity to win big games, serve our country and get a great education was a no brainer to me and my family.

What would you tell somebody that is considering coming to Navy to play football?: Think about your future and the man that you want to become, Navy can bring that out of you. I would also ask them if they want to win football games or not.

If you could play another position, what position would you play and why?: Quarterback, I feel like being the person in control of Coach Cronic's offense would be a lot of fun to play. 

If you could choose any opponent for Navy to play that is currently not on the schedule, who would you choose and why?: Maryland, I feel like that game would be packed and would prove who the true best team in Maryland is!

Favorite class at the Naval Academy and why?: I loved Naval History because my instructor kept it interesting and I love learning about history.

Favorite teacher at the Naval Academy?: Capt Kampa, Professor Shivok, Lt. Comm. Theddu, it is definitely a three way tie. 

Favorite form of social media and why?: Instagram, not only does it have reels that you could watch all day but I love to post and see other people's posts.

Favorite person to follow on social media and why?: Navyfb, Ronnie Gillis keeps our social media locked on and is always posting bangers about the team. 

If you could have dinner with any 4 people that are currently at the Naval Academy who would you choose and why?: I'm going with Coach Ricky Brown, Josh Bost, the Supt. and my teammate Will Miller. I feel like the conversations would be amazing to be a part of, definitely a worthwhile experience over a meal. 

Favorite sport to follow at the Naval Academy outside of football and why?: I am a big Navy Women's Lacrosse fan, I feel like they came out strong last year and really left a good mark on the tournament, it was fun to watch. 

What song is playing on your headphones in the locker room right before taking the field?: Honestly, whatever Coach Matt (Gonzalez) has going on the speaker, he drops the bangers right before we have to go on the field and get ready. 

What is your dream vacation?: Ibiza.

Who will be the surprise player on offense in 2026?: Charles Robinson, great spring performance.

Who will be the surprise player on defense in 2026?: Christian Johnson

Who is the toughest player on the Navy football team?: Coleman Cauley

What player epitomizes Navy Football?: Coleman Cauley, gritty and keeps his motor going, really defines EAT (effort, attitude, toughness)

Who will be the Most Valuable Player on offense in 2026?: Braxton Woodson, he's going to break single season records

Who will be the Most Valuable Player on defense in 2026?: Coleman Cauley

What are you most looking forward to in 2026?: Beating Army

Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know?: Giant heavy metal fan and cats. 

If there was a movie about your life what would it be called and who would play you?: The Wolf of Main St, I'd be played by Leonardo DiCaprio   

If you could play another sport at the Naval Academy, what would it be?: Wrestling, I would love to throw people around on the mat. 

Who is your favorite Navy athlete to watch outside of football?: Patrick Walsh, Navy Baseball and my roommate. I was at the game that he hit the longest home run in Navy Baseball history at our home field as a freshman.

What does it mean to wear "Navy" across your chest?: It means that I'm playing for more than just myself. It means I'm playing for my brothers beside me and everyone who's been in the Brotherhood before me.

What leadership lesson has football taught you?: Hard things bring people together. 

Which upperclassman impacted you the most when you arrived?: Giuseppe Sessi, I spent a lot of time around him and he taught me a lot of valuable lessons. 

What's one quality every successful midshipman needs?: An open minded approach to things. 

Which teammate would make the best Commandant?: Brandon Ihle

Which teammate would make the best Superintendent?: Santino Sanchez

Who talks the most trash in practice?: I would love to think I'm up there but definitely Jackson Gutierrez

Which player would make the best coach someday?: Luke Lawson

Who has the best game-day energy?: Giuseppe Sessi

Favorite road stadium you've played in?: M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore

Favorite uniform combination?: Blue over Gold is the best for sure. 

Which NFL player do you model your game after?: Troy Polamalu or Bill Romanowski

What's one thing fans should watch for from your position group this year?: Grit and hitting people hard. 

What's your favorite part of game day?: Hitting someone or singing Blue and Gold after a victory. 

Who's the funniest teammate?: Santino Sanchez